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Vinton County
Ohio Soccer Association for Youth
Rules and Bylaws
Dear Coach:
Welcome to another season of Vinton County SAY Soccer.
First I want to give you all a huge “Thank You” for volunteering
your time and efforts this season so our children can have a fun,
educational and safe soccer experience. Without volunteers like
you, the Vinton County Youth Soccer program would not have the
tremendous participation and success it has today.
While we do not wish to drown you in “rules and
regulations” there are some critical pieces of information you need
to know. The first is that we are here to help you and answer any
questions you may have. If you have a question, you can find
additional information on the Internet at:
www.vintoncountysoccer.com. We ask that all questions are
referred to the League Directors first - Jannette Quackenbush or
Patrick Quackenbush. If the League Directors cannot answer the
question, the Director will take the next step of contacting the SAY
headquarters. It is imperative that coaches follow this chain of
command.
It is the coach's responsibility to pick up or deliver
information to their team members from the board, Association or
officers. It is also the responsibility of the coach to call their
team players if the need should arise. It is mandatory that to
coach, you must have a telephone in case of emergencies. It is the
team member's responsibility to pick up information from the coach.
Please do not
expect board members or the officers to deliver packets, pictures,
balls, etc during the season. All children must pay by the last day
of signups, must turn in a parent/guardian waiver form, emergency
medical sheet and parent promise form -there are no exceptions!
If you still need assistance you can contact Jannette
Quackenbush-League President
740-596-1124.
In each of the coach packets you have already received, you
have the Soccer Association for Youth Soccer Rule book. We highly
recommend that you read the book.
Times Two Policy
All Areas will assign no less than two adults
(not related), per team, to be present at all team functions such as
games, practices, picnics, etc. NO Exceptions!
Note:
1. The adults
assigned can be a combination of coaches, parents, board members,
etc.
2. While the
focus of this policy is the child it also provides protection for
the volunteers in case of Misunderstandings.
3.
It
is important that your area review your policy on carpooling. SAY
national has for a long time recommended that volunteers not provide
transportation for non-family members. This is more an insurance
issue, but now has implications in regards to the intent of the
“Times Two” policy.
Important! Failure to implement the “Times Two” program may
adversely impact your area’s liability insurance coverage.
Liability Forms:
Vinton County SAY
REQUIRES that all copies of the Liability Waiver Form be turned in
to Jannette Quackenbush before the first practice session. If the
child’s form is not turned in and signed by a legal guardian or
parent, the child cannot practice or play.
(These are already in for all coaches)
Although it is the
parent’s responsibility to let us know of preexisting conditions,
you may want to ask each child and parent if there is any reason
limiting the child’s play. Should one of your players have an injury
and/or medical issue, this information is critical regarding
pre-existing medical conditions that could affect the treatment of
your Player. WE ALSO STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ALL COACHES TO CARRY A CELL
PHONE DURING ALL GAMES AND PRACTICE SESSIONS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.
Players shall be assigned to teams in a manner that
provides no advantage to any one team over another. Players are
chosen randomly and cannot be chosen by request even if in writing
by a parent, based on parent’s standing or if the child’s home is in
a certain region of the county. A child cannot be placed on a
team with a neighbor or friend for car-pooling reasons. A parent
cannot designate a certain coach for their child.The only rule
this does not apply to is that coaches are allowed to have their own
child (ren), if of appropriate age, on their team. Vinton County
Soccer League strongly advises good sportsmanship and it is to a
child’s advantage to learn to get along with other players
regardless of past obstacles with a certain child. Assignment of new
players and those that have moved up from a lower age division shall
be by blind draw. This is one of the most basic rules of S.A.Y.
that applies to all divisions and is strictly enforced.
Player Times
Every player should be allowed maximum participation and
every player must be allowed to play the equivalent of
one-half of every game. The
Vinton
County
Soccer League. board strongly encourages coaches to give all players
equal playtime, regardless of age. We strongly discourage the
practice of giving older children more playing time than younger
team members. This does not mean a coach must spend the entire game
monitoring a stopwatch to make sure every player gets the exact same
time down to the minute. It does mean that a good coach will not
have any player play a fourth quarter if any of their other players
have only played two. All players deserve the same amount of
coaching and playing time!
Running up scores will not be tolerated. The S.A.Y. motto
is "Kids Having Fun!" It is also important for players to develop
skills while having fun. When a game's score becomes too lopsided,
it is not benefiting either team. The team that is behind by that
large of a margin will usually become discouraged and not play to
their potential. They are definitely not having fun. The team that
is winning finds it easier and easier to score because the other
team is discouraged. That team is not learning skills when playing
an opponent like this. It is very difficult to determine experience
level, and experience level does not always determine skill level.
When a team with a higher degree of skill level is playing against
an opponent of lesser ability, a good sense of "sportsmanship" is
necessary to prevent running up the score. As a coach, it is your
responsibility not to run up the score on another team. The
following are provided as guidelines and suggestion on how you can
do that.
If your team is winning by four or more goals, it is time
to give your team a bigger challenge. Suggestions include:
1.
Put
players that have not yet scored in on offense (forward, strikers,
wings) and require the defensive players to pass to the offense
2.
Require a pass back to a midfielder before scoring
3.
Require a minimum of three passes before scoring
4.
Require a cross from outside the outer edge of the penalty box
before a shot can be taken
5.
Require a specific play or move before scoring
These are just a few ideas. You may come up with some of
your own based on skills you may have been practicing during the
week. The extent to which these are used depends on the individual
situation. The overriding principle is to do whatever is necessary
to ensure good sportsmanship. With that said, if the score
differential approaches ten goals or more, a coach should take
stronger action such as playing with fewer players or playing
without a goalkeeper.
Vinton County Soccer League’s position is that a team
should not win by five or more goals. If that occurs and is brought
to the board’s attention, the President will contact both coaches to
determine if there were any extenuating circumstances and to make
sure the winning coach understands Vinton County Soccer League’s
position. If it occurs again after the President has spoken with
the coach, the matter will be referred to the Vinton County Soccer
League’s executive committee for additional action. If a coach
continues to run up the score in future games, he or she may lose
the privilege of coaching.
It is important to note that scores do not have any impact
on team standing. Under no circumstance will goals (for, against or
differential) be used in any manner.
First Aid Kits
Safety is the most
important aspect of Vinton County SAY youth soccer. The Vinton
County SAY Program requires all Coaches to have a First Aid Kit on
site at all practice sessions and matches. You can create a home kit
or use the one given to you when receiving the coach packets.
IF YOU SEE
LIGHTNING OR HEAR THUNDER DURING A PRACTICE OR GAME, IMMEDIATELY
REMOVE YOUR PLAYERS FROM THE FIELD AND SEEK SHELTER - CONTINUING TO
PLAY IS NOT AN OPTION!
Dealing with
Parents:
While we realize
Youth Soccer is for the kids, Parents are a critical aspect to the
success of your player’s, as well as your, Soccer experience.
MEET WITH YOUR PLAYERS PARENTS EARLY
AND ESTABLISH
GROUND RULES.
This should cover everything from Snack & Drink schedules to phone
trees, to expectations for parent’s behavior during games and
practice. Remind your parents that Youth Soccer is about the kids,
not the parents!
It is recommended that each coach send out a
paper with contact information, scheduling information, team uniform
color, items needed to play, etc before practices and play begins.
See example: Parent Form.
Dealing with
Players:
We are not here to
tell you how to Coach your team, unless you ask! If you would like
more information about Coaching Youth Soccer, please contact us for
more information. (Suggested reading -www.saysoccer.org web site)
At no time will
coaches make negative or malicious comments on a player's inability
to play a position correctly. Be positive! Our philosophy is that
all kids play and all positions will be covered. None of us are
great at everything we do and some children will be good at some
positions and some will not.
Teach and practice good sportsmanship—avoid gamesmanship; try not to
seek an unfair advantage.
Teach fair play—emphasize that players need to enhance their soccer
skills.
Avoid excessive coaching from the sidelines; limit coaching to
practices—sit back and enjoy the game.
Support decisions of officials—avoid derogatory comments in front of
players or parents.
Avoid dissent—it is not acceptable in any form and it distracts the
referees from the game; do not tolerate it from players or parents
in any form.
Teach safe play—emphasize that players need to be physically fit for
their level of competition.
Accept responsibilities—be a long-term supporter of the rules and
expect a high level of sportsmanship by all.
Last teams to
play are required to pick up trash after each
event. All coaches are responsible for getting the parents to pick
up their trash after each game or practice.
Philosophy/Rules of Behavior:
The purpose of the
Vinton County SAY Soccer League is to instruct and train player(s)
to develop and improve their capabilities, develop the principles of
fair play, build good character, allow all players as equal an
opportunity as possible to participate, practice of good
sportsmanship and have fun in a safe manner.
All volunteers
must fill out the volunteer application before coaching or any
manner of assisting to coach. Until the form is approved, would-be
volunteers cannot maintain coaching or any other coaching related
contact with players.
Game time means
kick off time. COACHES SHOULD HAVE THEIR
TEAM AT THE FIELD
30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THEIR SCHEDULED GAME TIME. THAT IS WHEN THE
TEAM STRETCHES
AND WARMS UP.
Prior to game time the Referees will call the teams, to check shin
guards and cleats and go over their rules of the game. As long as
there are no unnecessary delays, such as injuries on the previous
game, all games will start, that means kick off, at the correct
schedule game time.
To ensure that the
following game stays on time, please vacate your area immediately
after both teams’ shake hands. Snacks and drinks should be
distributed on the parents’ side of the field or by the goal post so
you do not delay the next match.
Except for
rostered players who are playing, no one can go on the field without
permission by the referee.
Abusive and/or
Foul Language to an Official, Player, Coach or Spectator will cause
to be EJECTED from that game.
Placing of players
into position on the field by a Coach between quarters will not be
permitted.
All injuries must
be reported to League President as soon as possible-(740)
596-1124.
After the game
season begins, we will allow practices this year as follows:
Ages 4-6 -
maximum 1/2 hour to 1 hour per week only
Ages 7-10
maximum 1 hour to 3 hours of practice per week
Ages 11-17
maximum 3 hours of practice per week
Under no condition
can coaches or other players accept money for sign ups. All forms
must be turned into the League President-Jannette Quackenbush,
League Secretary-Amanda Robinson or League Treasurer-Margaret
Thompson along with the sign up fee. Both must be on hand by the
deadline to sign up. Any form received without payment or payment
without form will be returned to player’s parent.
Referees:
REFEREES HAVE THE
FINAL SAY.
Disrespectful and condescending comments can be considered
misconduct and coaches can receive a yellow or red card. The coach
is responsible for parent’s behavior.
The referees will
do their best to make the most accurate calls possible by the rules
of the game. If they are missing some serious calls (off sides,
pushing, shoving, tripping), you may call it to their attention at
an appropriate time (between quarters) in a concerning, NON
CONFRONTATIONAL manner. Please do not attribute losing a game
on bad calls by the referees. This teaches the players to have
little respect for authority. If there are serious problems, report
them to referee coordinator. If you have minor issues with your
referees (missed a few calls, did not blow whistle loud enough),
write them on the comments section of the yellow score card which
you need to sign after the game. The Referees gives all cards to
the referee coordinator and he will read all of them and will act
accordingly.
At the Passers
level offsides is not called.
Passers and Wings
level is a learning level. A lot of the calls the referees will make
will be explained so that the player will not do the same mistake in
the future. (Kick off, throw-ins, goal kicks, etc.)
Rainouts/Forfeiting:
THERE WILL BE NO
RESCHEDULING OF GAMES FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN WEATHER RELATED
SITUATIONS.
Do Not Practice if
it has been raining all day, extremely cold, is still raining and/or
is thundering and lightning at the time of your practice.
For Game Day: Rainout games.
If weather
conditions are questionable, (which means; it has been raining hard
the day prior
to your game
and/or is still raining the morning of your game, or is thundering
and/or
Lightning) it will be determined if it is safe to play that
day.
It takes time,
effort, and energy to coach a team. A coach should be prepared to
make this experience fun for each individual. A coach must have
patience at practice and on game day. The game is for the kids and
a coach should focus their attention on teaching the game,
developing kids, and making the experience a fun time for each
child. At times, the children will look at you as a role model, a
substitute parent, someone who is an authority figure. You and your
actions are always being watched and will have a significant
impact on your players.
Parents can be
your biggest asset and make your job easier if you utilize them
appropriately. They can help you with practice, on game day, at an
after season party, etc. Be prepared to talk to your parents. Here
are a few suggestions:
1.
At
the first practice, meet with the parents for 5-10 minutes before
practice. This is a good time to pass out your playing schedule, a
contact sheet/rules sheet and practice schedule. (see attached for
example)
2.
Allow the parents to know your expectations. For example:
a.
Everyone will play equal time
b.
Emphasis will be on fun and learning—not winning games
c.
Everyone will be rotated equally among positions
d.
Everyone should be at practice, if not they should call
e.
Children should have shoes, shin guards, a ball, appropriate
clothing for the weather and a water bottle at every practice.
Please ask that they use suitable drinks like water or sports
drinks. No soda or pop!
f.
Children should arrive 30 minutes early to games
g.
Expect parents to set an example of good sportsmanship!
h.
During games, parents should encourage and applaud good play by both
teams, avoid dissent or questioning referee calls. Sit back, enjoy
the game and let the referee’s referee, the coach’s coach and the
children play.
3.
Ask
for volunteers – (someone to set up a snack schedule for game days,
someone to coordinate a year-end party, a phone-tree for rainouts,
etc…)
4.
Have
parents help with drills—explain the drills to the parents and they
can work with kids in small groups.
5.
Ask
for an assistant if you want someone to help you
6.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate, Communicate…(this resolves
95% of all problems)
Remember that
these are children and children learn by doing. They won’t always
remember what you told them two or three weeks ago at practice but
will be able to use a skill they were taught and that they
subsequently applied in a variety of drills and game-like
conditions. It is also important to remember that each child is
going to have a different skill level. It is important to work with
all of the children to develop each of their skills to the best of
their ability.
Before each
practice, develop a small goal for what you want to achieve for that
practice. Take a few minutes to plan your practice in advance and
structure it around that goal. The length of your practice will
vary by the players’ ages. For the Preschool Division practices
should generally be limited to 30 minutes. For Passers-1/2 hour and
Wings they should be limited to 1 hour for the oldest players,
Strikers and above, practices may extend to but should not exceed
1-1 ˝ hours and should be limited to two nights per week.
What is covered in
the practices will also vary based upon the players’ ages. The
following, however, are some common elements that should be included
for any age.
·
Warm-up – this should generally be done with the ball, something
that is fun, and gets the kids moving.
·
Fundamentals of a skill or tactic – The instruction time should
be kept to a minimum. (Don’t talk for more than a minute or
two. You will lose the kids.) When you instruct, show them
or have a player show the skill and immediately have everyone
try it. Have them try the skill without any pressure for a few
minutes. Instruct them while they are doing it.
·
Game-related drill – This should be in small groups. The drills
should be structured around your practice objective. It should give
the players a chance to use the skill in a fun drill with some
pressure and game-related elements.
·
Game-condition drill – This should provide for situations that are
found in a game but on a smaller scale and focused around the
practice objective.
·
Scrimmage – A short scrimmage at the end of the practice can provide
a good opportunity to apply skills learned during the rest of the
practice. This should only be used for a portion of your practice.
(I.e., The majority of your practice should not consist of
scrimmaging.) While the kids may enjoy this, if relied on too
heavily, it only provides minimal learning opportunities and shows a
lack of preparation. If the rest of the practice is well run, the
kids will have as much fun doing the other drills and learn a whole
lot more.
The following are
a few additional considerations for your practice.
·
You
should try to end your practice on a positive note and remind the
children of the next practice or game.
·
Make
practices fun for the kids—regardless of age!
·
Don’t coach to win, coach to have the kids learn and develop good
self-esteem.
·
Use
activities that maximize the children’s participation and contact
with the ball.
·
Start and end your practices on time. Remember parents are there to
pick up the kids and you did set an expectation.
·
Many
children will tell you “I can’t…” Encourage them to try. If they
can’t kick the ball very well with their left foot, have them work
on it through drills and try, try, try, try. You have the ability
to help these children grow, develop, and build self-confidence.
·
Don’t use line drills! If you want to have kids practices shots on
goals do not have them all line up with the coach in the goal and
shoot one at a time. Find creative ways to involve all of the kids.
·
Don’t use drills where the best or worst player is singled out (e.g.
keep-away, sharks and minnows.) It is OK to use drills where one
person is “it”, but make sure everyone rotates for an equal amount
of time. Being “it” should not be determined by when they get
tagged or when the ball is stolen from them.
·
Whenever dividing up players into groups never let the kids pick the
teams. You should always divide the players to make sure the teams
are evenly matched and accomplish your objectives.
·
Cater to all players—not just the skilled ones.
Before each game,
you should plan. Your job as a coach will be much easier if you
have planned to play kids in certain position and number of quarters
before you get to the game. You should keep track of who starts and
who does not start so you can give equal opportunity for everyone to
start the game. You should make sure players get to play multiple
positions. (E.g. If a player was in a defensive position one
quarter, they should be on offense the next quarter they play.)
Also, any player that wants to play goalkeeper should be given the
opportunity to do so. The following are examples of how to set up
the children and positions.
Example
Roster: See attached Sheet
Coach
Administrative Duties:
·
As a
coach you should have a signed waiver form for all of your players
that is signed before first practice and turned in within 7 days to
the President.
·
You
should have a signed copy of your roster with you at all games.
·
You
should always have first-aid supplies that include the following:
wraps, Band-Aids, tape, over-the-counter antibiotic, scissors,
rubber gloves, bee sting treatment, and ice.
·
Don’t move goals under any circumstance! This applies to both
practice and game fields.
·
Don’t let kids hang on the goals or nets. They could get hurt.
·
Parents are not allowed on the field during play.
This not only applies to the game fields but also all areas around
the fields. Coaches need to make sure parents are aware of this
rule.
·
All coaches must turn in signed copy of their rosters by their first
game. If you are not able to get there during that time,
it is your responsibility to make arrangements with your Division
Coordinator to have your rosters signed. If they are not signed,
you could risk forfeiture of games.
Contact List:
Example Roster:
This example shows
the positions for the four quarters.
The first quarter
includes seven players. The second quarter includes all the
remaining players who were not in the first quarter plus players who
had played in the first quarter who will be shifted around
accordingly.
In making the
lineup for the third quarter, the first quarter players are shifted
from front to back from the first quarter so both offense and
defense positions are learned. Random players are then split among
the other players or rotated from game to game which players sit out
two quarters.
Left Wing
Tyler 1 (number of
times played per game)
Right Wing
Bailey 1
Center
Kayla 1
Defender
Cole 1
Goalie
Hannah 1
Vinton
County
Soccer League
Coach: Jane Doe
(740) 596-0000
Asst. Coach: John
Doe
E:mail:
info@vintoncountysoccer.com
www.vintoncountysoccer.com
Team name: Falcons
Team Color: Red
Your child will
need: shin guards, red socks and comfortable shorts (black if you
have them but not mandatory), rubber soled cleats or tennis shoes.
SHIN GUARDS (with socks that cover them from knee to toe)
ARE A MUST!
We would like to
welcome your kids to the first year of SAY soccer in Vinton County.
We had a total of 100 children sign up for 12 teams. These teams
comprise:
Passers: Ages 5-7
Wings: Ages 8-9
Strikers: Ages
10-13
Your child is a
Wing!
We will have
scheduled practices, rain or shine, unless it is storming. I will
try to call parents if the weather appears too inclement to
practice.
Practices are as
follows:
Saturday,
September 11 2:00-3:00
Wednesday,
September 15 6:00-7:00
Games are a
learning experience for the kids and since many families juggle work
loads, other kids’ schedules and church activities, after games
begin, we will not have practices. However, there are two
practice weeks during the season where games are not played so we
can work on learning new and exciting things.
Please do not
hesitate to contact me-I only ask that you do not call after 9:00 pm
or before 9:00 in the morning.
Vinton County Soccer Schedule
Wings Age 8 to 9
(All games to be played at the VFW grounds in
McArthur)
Parent Promise
I understand that
the mission of theVinton County Soccer Association for Youth is to
provide all children the opportunity to play soccer in a safe, fun,
and encouraging environment. DISRESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR of any kind is
inconsistent with that mission and will not be tolerated. Parties
to such behavior will be asked to leave and, if necessary, escorted
off the playing field.
Furthermore, I
understand that the Official’s word is the LAW of this venue and
that he or she shall be treated with SPECIAL RESPECT—which means
there will be no bantering with nor ridicule of any official whether
before, during or after the game.
In addition, I
will take responsibility in seeing that my child behaves in
accordance with the Soccer Association for Youth's mission,
principles and code of ethics. In short, I agree to be a positive
ROLE MODEL for children.
I also agree that
my child's name and picture be printed in newspapers as a part of
letting other children know about soccer in Vinton County and to
positively reflect our Association to the public.
Waiver of
Liability:
WE HEREBY AGREE
THAT THE SOCCER ASSOCIATION FOR YOUTH (SAY) ITS MEMBERS, COACHES OR
OFFICERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INJURY OR LOSS WHICH I OR MY
CHILD OR CHILDREN MAY SUSTAIN WHILE PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES OF
ANY KIND WHETHER SPONSORED BY OR UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF SAY AND WE
AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND TO HOLD HARMLESS SAY, ITS MEMBERS, COACHES
AND OFFICERS OR DESIGNATES OF ANY KIND FROM ANY CLAIM WHATSOEVER.
PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
______________________________Date__________________
Vinton
County Ohio -
Soccer Association for Youth
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